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What’s the Best Time to Post On Instagram?

If you’re just starting your social media journey, adding a bit of scientific rationale to the mix can be a game-changer! Steve Grant explains.

This experiment may hold some value over time, but it also demands a considerable investment of both energy and time. Is there an EASIER way to crack the Instagram posting code? Well, my friend, this article is here to serve up all the juicy details you need to start sharing at the crème de la crème times on this buzzing social platform! Let’s dive in!

WHEN IS THE MAGIC WINDOW FOR POST ON INSTAGRAM?

Research suggests that:

The golden time for Instagram posting is between 6pm and 9pm.
Specifically, 8pm stands out as the prime time for optimal engagement.
The best day for posting is Friday, followed by Saturday and Wednesday.
While weekends typically rake in the most engagement, the sage advice is to stay attuned to when your audience is actively online.

To clarify, the stated times refer to your local time (i.e., your audience shares the same time zone with you). This means, if you’re chilling in Sydney and your key audience resides there too, then those specified times are your jam. But, if you’re in Sydney and your target audience lives in New Zealand, then you’re looking at a two-hour shift in your posting times.

WHEN IS THE WORST TIME TO POST ON INSTAGRAM?

Global stats confirm that the worst time to post on Instagram (i.e., when Instagram engagement is typically at its lowest) is between 6am and 9am.

The great news here is that you don’t need to wake up with the sun just to post on Instagram. Of course, if you’ve been doing that then it’s time to introduce yourself to the marvel of social media management software that enables you to schedule posts in advance.

WHY DOES ALL OF THIS MATTER?

Around the world, mobile users average 12 hours per month on Instagram, which boils down to about a 1/100 chance of catching them mid-scroll. This is where the art of strategic posting comes into play. Hitting that sweet spot when your prime followers are cruising the platform is a game-changer – because it’s all about getting more time in front of your VIP followers.

BUILDING YOUR LOYAL FANBASE

The fight for loyalty is real – especially for the David-sized businesses competing with Goliaths in the realm of social media! Posting during peak hours isn’t just about hitting more eyes in one go; it’s also about showing your audience that you’re not just another face in the crowd – you’re engaged, you’re responsive, and you’re in it for the long haul.

FOSTERING ENGAGEMENT

The global Instagram engagement rate is currently hovering at 6%. That’s a hearty leap from the previous year’s numbers. But hold onto your hats – the power of engagement is like a rock thrown into a serene pond; it causes ripples to fan out in all directions.

If your posts score instant likes, comments and saves, the algorithm is more likely to fling your content into more feeds. But wait, there’s more! There is a slew of other Instagram features – Favourites, Search, videos, you name it – each with its own quirky algorithm. And they all play the engagement game, but they dance to slightly different tunes. For example, becoming a Favourite means your posts are VIPs in your followers’ feeds; engagement rates dictate which posts make it to the Search page pinnacle.

So, choosing the right time to share isn’t just about amassing comments and swoon-worthy saves. It opens up a treasure trove of engagement avenues, each one offering an independent opportunity to shine.

CRACKING THE CODE OF ALGORITHM UPDATES

Instagram’s playground is in a perpetual state of evolution, constantly concocting updates to shape user experiences. These algorithms are as complex as a Rubik’s Cube, with each app nook wielding its own independent algorithm. This means your videos might bask in the spotlight within your followers’ feeds but remain stubbornly concealed from the eyes of the Discover tab.

The smartest way to navigate this cryptic maze? Use a consistent weekly posting regimen and experiment with one variable per week. Track what your audience likes most, then add the best of best to your new weekly routine. Happy posting!